Pierre Denis, who works at Venezuela's embassy, carries an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez after holding a Mass to pray for Chavez's health in Petion-Ville, Haiti, Friday, Dec. 21, 2012. Chavez is recovering in Cuba from surgery, his fourth operation related to pelvic cancer since June 2011. (AP Photo/ Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery) (The Associated Press)

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's government says President Hugo Chavez's condition is becoming increasingly stable as the socialist leader recovers from a cancer-related operation in Cuba.

Vice President Nicolas Maduro said Saturday that ruling party member Cilia Flores gave him the update on Chavez's recovery upon her return from the communist-led island.

Chavez underwent surgery Dec. 11, about two months after being elected to another six-year presidential term. It was his fourth cancer-related operation since June 2011.

Complications following the latest surgery and Chavez's silence since the procedure have thrown into doubt whether he will be able to return to Venezuela for his Jan. 10 inauguration.